How do you go about finding dates?

Before you start replying "Well you go to dating sites, dummy!", I'm really talking about real life encounters that are initiated outside of cyber space. The big beef I have with online dating is that other members of the site have nothing to go on but your pictures and, through basis of faith, your description of yourself.

I've tried going to a meet up group before, but that was insanely sexually charged (I live in DC so that's expected, I suppose). I'm thinking of going to speed dating since I honestly think it's a step up from online dating, at least you'll be able to break the ice and give the other person a chance to see a glimpse of your personality (Which will be great for me! I think my personality is a selling point, not my looks).

So aside from speed dating and meet up groups, any suggestions on how to find potential dates? I see good looking guys on a daily basis, but I can't assume that they're gay just because they're talking to me lol.

Never found a date outside of dating sites. Despite all that is bad about them, they are the best way. I guess meeting people through friends might work. Look at those two gay guys from Sex and the City, they hated each other but then they got married later on (lawl).

I think it helps through friends. It's safe and the date may carry the endorsement of a a friend(s), which makes it better. I had somebody just call me on the phone and tell me they are a friend of (mutual friend) and that friend had recommended he call me. I later told our mutual friend NOT to give somebody my phone number without my approval first.

HndsmKansan saidI think it helps through friends. It's safe and the date may carry the endorsement of a a friend(s), which makes it better. I had somebody just call me on the phone and tell me they are a friend of (mutual friend) and that friend had recommended he call me. I later told our mutual friend NOT to give somebody my phone number without my approval first.

Don't assume that dating through friends is safe. Many years ago, my sister did that and the guy tried to rape her. Fortunately, his roommate showed up and rescued her.

Ohno saidNever found a date outside of dating sites. Despite all that is bad about them, they are the best way. I guess meeting people through friends might work. Look at those two gay guys from Sex and the City, they hated each other but then they got married later on (lawl).

I've never watched Sex and the City, but I'm in a similar situation with someone. Though, I'm not sure if we'll ever see eye to eye lol.

HndsmKansan saidI think it helps through friends. It's safe and the date may carry the endorsement of a a friend(s), which makes it better. I had somebody just call me on the phone and tell me they are a friend of (mutual friend) and that friend had recommended he call me. I later told our mutual friend NOT to give somebody my phone number without my approval first.

That's not a bad idea to be honest. I'm on the gay guy I know within my circle of friends, but I'm pretty sure there's plenty out there.

That was shitty of the mutual friend to give out your number like that. I mean it's common courtesy to ask permission first.

Ohno saidNever found a date outside of dating sites. Despite all that is bad about them, they are the best way. I guess meeting people through friends might work. Look at those two gay guys from Sex and the City, they hated each other but then they got married later on (lawl).

I've never watched Sex and the City, but I'm in a similar situation with someone. Though, I'm not sure if we'll ever see eye to eye lol.

UGH - Sex In The City is a scripted show created by people who are paid vast amounts of money to feed into the weaknesses of lemming-like creatures who feast on pop culture iconography and for SOME UNFATHOMABLE reason think it is real and attempt to base their own lives on crafted images.

I don't know Fairfax from a hole in the wall but I seem to think it is fairly cosmopolitan with a good number of social outlets.

Bars are great and fun but really only a SMALL part of socializing.

Go to gallery openings - get on the list.

Go to the theatre.

Join a sports team.

And don't glue Yourself to an i-device when you go out.

Be open and a little adventurous.

Smile at a Stranger. Give a nod to someone who holds a door for You. Shake the hand of the Restaurant owner.

You would be surprised at the VAST opportunities that are right in front of You!!!

Good Luck!!!

And ENJOY the journey...

Love it! I've never even thought of it before. I won't be doing in Fairfax, but in DC (it's 30 minutes away). There's always something going on there, and as far as dressing up, definitely room to step it up. I dress like a slob on my free time lol. I'll give it a whirl! Toughest part is not playing with my phone lol....but I'll manage.